Читать книгу Under Pressure - Lori Foster - Страница 10

CHAPTER TWO

“I HAVE HER HAT.”

“What the fuck am I supposed to do with a hat? I need her, Tesh, not her wardrobe.”

Refusing to be riled, Tesh fingered the hat, then stuffed it back into his pocket. “I meant it as a confirmation for you that I have her in my sights. She left the hat behind at the bus station after some idiots tried to accost her. The bodyguard stepped in.”

“So he found her.”

Making a sound of affirmation, Tesh said, “And I followed him.” He could have found her on his own. Contrary to what little Cat Nicholson thought, she wasn’t all that clever. But she’d have recognized him right off and booked again.

Having a different face, a less menacing face, track her down worked to his advantage. “I’ve been following her since, not too close because I don’t want to spook her.”

“Fine, what’s the plan?”

“I’ll grab her in the morning.” Despite the wishes of anyone else, he didn’t want her killed. Not his sweet, wild kitten. Given half a chance, he’d tuck her away and keep her safe.

All his, and his alone.

It’d be worth giving up everything. She was worth it, and when he finished taming her, she’d be not only agreeable, but grateful.

“Keep me posted.”

Tesh nodded. “Will do.” He disconnected the call, and thought about how to proceed. He had his orders. And he had his preferences. If things went right, he could have it all.

* * *

CATALINA WASN’T SURE what to think. Leese Phelps, her new “bodyguard,” looked sincere enough. But she knew how it worked.

For much of her life, and especially the last few months before she’d been forced to run six weeks ago, too many things had been done “for her own good.” These days, she had a hard time knowing who to trust, but it was rarely those people claiming to have her best interests at heart.

Leese, with the gorgeous blue eyes and tall, solid physique, looked the part of a hero. But looks could be deceiving. He also said the right things, painting himself as a good guy. But good, too, could be subjective.

He’d made mincemeat of Wayne’s bullyboy, taking him out in such an effortless way. Then with a look alone, he intimidated Wayne.

He had a gun and he spoke to his massive chauffeur friend as if the guy wasn’t an enormous pile of muscle and badass ’tude.

She sighed. What to do?

Gaze teasing, Leese lifted one bag of food as enticement. “Why don’t you come up to the room and at least eat before making any decisions? I have a feeling we need to talk out a few things.”

The wind had played havoc with his dark hair, and this late in the day he had sexy beard shadow scruff highlighting his lean jaw, making his incendiary eyes look even more compelling.

How unfair. Her eyes were a wishy-washy blah blue.

Not his. Nope, his eyes were the kind that made a woman’s stomach tumble.

And though the food smelled good, it had nothing on Leese, who smelled incredibly delicious. The nap she’d taken, using his hard thigh as a pillow, was the best rest she’d had in a good long while.

How did that make any sense?

She had no idea how much, if any, she should trust him. But she’d slept peacefully.

“I guess if you wanted to murder me or some other heinous thing, you wouldn’t have to take me to a nice hotel to do it.”

“You see,” he said, dark, level brows coming together. “It’s thoughts like that we need to talk about.”

“Then again,” she continued, feeling constrained as they drove into a dark, concrete parking garage, “you could be luring me into a trap.” Fear put a stranglehold on her throat. What if he only wanted her to come along peacefully because that’d make it easier on him? Then he’d hand her over without a single qualm.

Then what would she do?

“No trap,” Leese said gently, and amazingly it helped to still the escalating alarm.

“No one else is waiting inside? Because it’d be beyond diabolical to lure me with food when I’m already so hungry, just to sabotage me and—”

One finger pressed to her mouth, silencing her. “I’m not sure who you think wants to sabotage you, but I promise, Justice and I won’t let that happen.”

Oh wow. He said that so convincingly while touching her mouth, and even through her fear, it affected her, making her toes curl in her boots. Believing him, even though that was an insane thing to do, she gave a small nod. “Okay.”

“Good girl.” His hand cupped the side of her face. “Now take a few breaths and try to relax.”

She nodded, even as her thoughts scrambled.

Justice parked, then walked around and opened her door for her.

Hoping to hide her continued worry, she teased, “Such a gentleman.”

Justice tugged at an ear. “Haven’t been accused of that too many times.”

When she stepped out, she felt downright puny next to him. It wasn’t just his height, but also the breadth of his chest and shoulders. Boulder shoulders. Even through his leather jacket, she could see the unyielding strength in his body.

For whatever reason, even though she felt safe with Leese, Justice made her more at ease.

Could be the lack of attraction.

She saw Leese as walking, talking sex appeal.

Justice was like a big teddy bear...if teddy bears ate steel for breakfast.

A second later, his expression alert, Leese was at her side as he waited for Justice to open the back of the SUV. He had a leaner, more honed physique that was no less powerful.

Leese, clearly in charge, nearly vibrated with edgy awareness. Justice seemed to be along for the ride.

They made interesting cohorts, like mismatched bookends that would nonetheless get the job done. And if she wasn’t so worried, she wouldn’t mind her role as the only book.

“How’s your ankle?”

She stared at him blankly. “My ankle?”

“You were limping earlier.”

“Oh.” She looked down at her feet, unaware of any problem. “Guess it’s okay.” She wiggled her toes. “Must have been a temporary thing.”

“Good. Any discomfort, just let me know.”

They each retrieved moderately sized overnight bags, and Justice lifted out her big suitcase.

“The wheel broke,” she explained.

“Not a problem.” Justice held it as easily as he would have a pillow.

That bugged her. She’d had a devil of a time hauling that awkward heap through the snow, sludge and ice in the alleys. If these two were going to corral her, they could have done so as soon as she’d left the shelter. Maybe then her back and shoulders wouldn’t be so tired.

“He’s a regular beast, isn’t he?” she whispered to Leese.

Smiling, Leese shrugged, still looking around the area. “He’s strong.”

“Used to be a fighter,” Justice said, proving he’d heard her whisper. “Same as Leese. We gave it up to be bodyguards, and gotta say, it’s a lot less work.”

Fascinated, Cat looked between them as they headed into the foyer of the hotel. “Fighters? Like boxing? Or do you mean street brawlers?”

“Professional MMA,” Justice explained. “Mixed martial arts.”

She knew little about it, but it probably meant they were well trained. “Why’d you give it up?”

Cutting off Justice’s answer, Leese said, “This place isn’t top-notch, maybe not what you’re used to, but it’s one of the better hotels in this area.”

A change of subject? And what did he know about her preferences? She scowled at him. “It’s better than the shelter, I’m sure.”

“Book us two rooms,” he told Justice, handing him a card. “If they have a suite, that’d be great. If not, a single and a double will do. Make sure they’re near each other.”

“Right.” Leaving the luggage with Leese, Justice walked away toward the front desk.

“You can grab a seat while we wait.” Leese indicated the cushy sofa behind her.

Luckily the lobby was nearly empty this time of night. Other than a couple headed toward the lounge, Cat saw only hotel employees. Big windows and glass doors at the entrance showed another light snow starting, each flake glistening as it danced beneath the lights. A boutique, decorated with hearts and flowers for Valentine’s Day, as well as several restaurants lined the street across from them.

As she sat, Cat thought about the arrangements. Since she’d have a room to herself, she could sneak away if she wanted. But would that be wise? She was out of money, and if she hit the ATM that’d probably leave a trail. Then again, seeing Justice use the credit card at the front desk, she knew it’d be pretty easy to find her, just by tracking Leese and Justice, which had no doubt been the plan.

She’d thought staying with Wayne would completely throw off the bloodhounds. It was so far from her ordinary, everyday life that she hadn’t imagined anyone would ever look for her there.

Then Wayne had to go and get grabby and ruin those plans. Not that she could have hidden indefinitely anyway. Sooner or later she had to work out a life for herself, a way to live safe and free.

Maybe it was time to confront things.

Could she?

For tonight, she’d try not to dwell on it. Showering in peace, sleeping without worry would be so nice.

And Leese did have that food...

It had been a while since she’d really enjoyed eating. With cockroaches running rampant, strangers staring and Wayne always on the make, mealtime at the shelter had been done in uncomfortable haste.

In contrast, a loaded burger seemed like a real luxury.

In the morning she could figure out an escape...perhaps over breakfast.

While she sat there thinking things through, Leese stood in front of her, hands in his pockets, his gaze brooding as he alternately studied the windows and door, and watched her.

When her gaze met his, he smiled. “Before you work out anything too elaborate, you should know that one room is for Justice, and the other is for us.”

Her heart jumped. “Us?”

He caught her arm and pulled her back to her feet. “I can’t protect you if I’m not with you. And I have a feeling you need more protection than I ever could have guessed.”

His feelings were spot-on.

Justice rejoined them, handing out room keycards. “Got you the suite and I have a room across the hall.”

So the big guy had understood the setup all along?

With a hand to the small of her back, Leese urged her to the elevator.

A bellhop took them to a private floor accessible only with a keycard. Nice. That gave her a little more added security.

On the ride up to the twenty-sixth floor, Cat tried to use the silence to plan, but she was far too aware of Leese standing closely at her back.

He intended to room with her.

She glanced at Justice standing at her side, and the big ape grinned at her as if he knew her thoughts. Scowling, she stared straight instead at the numbers as they changed for each floor.

Repugnant as it seemed, she should definitely go; Leese had said she could if she wanted. Maybe it was time to test that theory.

After they departed the elevator, the bellhop started to step off with them. Leese slipped him a bill and thanked him with an obvious dismissal.

He unlocked the suite door himself, then held it open for her.

Nervousness kept her glued to the spot. They were in such a private location, with only a few other doors around. She felt isolated, alone...but then she’d felt that way for a while now.

“I changed my mind,” she blurted.

Silence ticked by until, tipping his head, Leese asked, “About?”

His calm only amplified her nervousness.

“This.” She gestured at the room. At him. “I don’t want to stay here.”

Pausing at his own door, Justice waited.

“Okay.” Hands on his hips, Leese held her gaze. “Where did you want to go?”

“Er...nowhere with you. I’m going to just...leave.”

Dark brows touching, Leese considered her, making her squirm. He let the door shut. “All right.”

Justice groaned with loud drama.

“Wherever you go,” Leese told her, “I will closely follow. But it’s up to you.”

Damn it. Him being so agreeable left her only more perplexed. And truthfully, she didn’t want to go anywhere. The nap had recharged her, but only a little. Problems pummeled her tired brain. And the thought of a shower was so enticing... “Can I take the food with me?”

A half smile curled his mouth. “Sure.”

The easy agreement left her deflated, stealing the last of her resistance. “Fine. I’ll stay.”

Justice let out a long, relieved breath.

“But I’m not keen on sharing a room with you.” Liar. She hated the thought of being alone. She protested on principle—because she liked the idea of being alone with him far too much. And why not? Could he be more striking with his beautiful eyes, calm, controlled nature and that ripped bod?

Her biggest dilemma was that he looked at her as a problem to solve, and she looked at him like any red-blooded woman would look at a sexy hunk of man.

She felt sparks, blast him, and he stayed cool and distant.

“If that’s your only concern, I can stay out here.”

Cat gaped at him. “Here, the...hall?”

“Yes.”

Why wouldn’t he just room with Justice? “I could take the single and you guys could—”

“Wherever you are,” he repeated in a deep, serious tone, “that’s where I’ll be. Either in the room with you, or just outside the door.”

Justice said, “Give in, honey. Leese takes this shit far too seriously, I swear. He’ll stand out here like a guard dog all night, and then I’ll feel guilty and want to spell him, and neither of us will get any sleep.”

“I’ll sleep just fine,” she told him, though that was probably a lie too. Knowing the two of them stood vigil would keep her from resting.

“I meant Leese and me,” the hulk grouched.

“Justice,” Leese warned. “It’s her decision. Don’t pressure her.”

Yeah, God forbid she be pressured. Such a laugh. She’d had more pressure lately than any woman should have to bear.

Justice plopped down her suitcase and took two big steps to swipe up the bag of food. “Fine.” Rummaging inside, he said, “I’m at least going to eat while she decides.” He withdrew two burgers.

Justice made her feel mean, and that, too, was unusual. “Open the damn door,” she demanded.

Without questioning her, Leese did just that, holding it wide for her.

Justice, not taking any chances on her changing her mind, dug out his fries and malt too. “Glad that’s settled.” He balanced everything in the crook of one arm and deftly used his keycard. “Keep me updated,” he said before going inside and letting the door close behind him.

Leese stood there waiting for her, patience personified.

After a deep breath, she lifted her chin and strode past him.

The suite was lovely, divided into a small kitchenette, a sitting area with two couches arranged perpendicular to one another, a large television, a desk, a round table with four chairs and a small half bath. One of the couches looked to be a narrow rollaway bed. Through open glass double doors she saw a separate bedroom with a full bathroom, including a wide tub and granite shower.

One bedroom. One shower.

Great.

Leese paid no mind as he got everything into the room. He put the bags of food on the table, then carried her suitcase to the bedroom and set it at the end of the bed for her.

Cat watched as he took his own bag to the end of one couch.

A promising sign. Sort of.

“What’s it to be first?” He removed his coat and hung it neatly in the closet. “Food or talk?”

With his coat gone and his hands again on his hips, she couldn’t help focusing on that menacing gun. Had he shot anyone?

Ever?

Recently?

In her experience, most bodyguards were older, thicker. Less appealing. Given her family’s affluence, she’d grown up with them hanging around, always watching her like a prized possession.

She’d tried so hard to leave that life behind, but sadly, she’d taken just a little too long to make it happen.

“Catalina?”

Talking meant explaining, and she needed more time for that. Like...maybe a couple of days. “Food, definitely.” Then if she had to make a run for it, at least she’d have a modicum of energy.

Stripping off her coat, she tossed it toward the suitcase. Given the amount of walking she’d done, the boots were starting to pinch her feet. Hopping on first one foot and then the other, she removed them, letting them drop to the floor by the side of the bed. Enjoying the freedom, she wiggled her toes inside her socks. That felt good enough that she also peeled off the thick sweatshirt, leaving her in jeans, socks and a long-sleeved T-shirt.

She pushed back her hair, freed the band from her wrist and secured a ponytail.

More comfortable, she headed to the table and chairs, unaware of Leese staring until she glanced up to ask if he was ready to eat too.

That hot gaze of his had been all over her body, but immediately jumped to her face. “Let me.” He got close to pull out her chair, bringing with him that irresistible scent of fresh outdoors mixed with man.

She inhaled deeply.

In her old world, men were often well mannered and polite. They were also manipulative and mercenary, focused on a pampered social status that blinded them to the ugliness of reality.

The old world felt a million miles away, and nothing about Leese felt pampered. “Thank you.”

He set out the food, napkins, even opened her straw and stuck it in her malt. “Help yourself,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”

When he walked away, Cat turned to watch. He prowled around the suite studying the locks on the windows and closing the drapes, even in the bedroom.

Then he left.

As the door closed behind him, she froze.

An insidious sensation—fear, worry—crawled into her soul. They were such familiar emotions, usually with her every second.

But not since meeting Leese. Not like this.

The suite that only seconds before felt warm and comfortable now felt isolated.

The door opened again and he strode in, going still when he saw her face. “Hey. What’s wrong?”

Her lungs filled with air, a refreshing breath of reassurance. He hadn’t left her at all. Refusing to be pitied, she choked out, “Nothing.”

His expression shifted from sharp awareness to soft understanding. “We’ll need to work on that habit you have of lying.” In only a few long, casual strides he stood beside her. Looking into her eyes, he asked, “Want to try again?”

Not really. She cleared her throat. “Where did you go?”

“Just checking on things.”

“Like?”

“Staircase, other rooms, windows.”

Oh. He’d once again been assuring her safety? Astounding. Her muscles further relaxed. Acting as if the panic hadn’t happened, she gestured to the table. “Are you going to eat now?”

“Yeah.” He took his seat, still attuned to her yet not intimidating her with his stare. He hesitated only a heartbeat, then said, “I’m not budging, Cat, okay?”

That was the first time he’d called her that. “You know my nickname?”

“I know a lot about you.”

Wow, such a cryptic answer. She wasn’t sure she wanted to ask, especially since he couldn’t possibly know the most important things.

“I also heard Wayne call you that.”

Oh yeah. He didn’t miss much. “So, what’s the plan?”

“Keep you safe.” He took a big bite of a chicken wrap that looked to have tomato and lettuce on it, but nothing else. He followed that up with a drink of tea before adding, “Whatever it takes.”

A not-so-simple answer to a very complicated question. He so easily shook her, mostly because he said things with such conviction she couldn’t help but believe him.

And believing anyone right now was just plain foolish.

She picked up a fry. “Okay, that’s long-term. But for tonight?”

“Once you’re ready for bed, Justice can sit here while I go to his room to shower.” He took another bite. “Then we’ll get some sleep.”

In bed. Or rather, one bed, one couch. She made a noncommittal sound and slurped down half her malt to try to cool a sudden rise in her temperature.

Amused, Leese asked, “What did you think would happen?”

“No idea, really. I’ve had supposed bodyguards after me for a while now, but none of them were like you.” She ate a few more bites, thinking, wondering how far she could push him. “You’ll sleep here, right? I mean...on the couch?”

“Yeah.” He finished off his food. “What kinds of bodyguards have you known?”

How to put it so that she wouldn’t give away too much? If he was as up-front as he seemed and really didn’t understand the ramifications and complications of the situation, she didn’t want to clue him in tonight. He could react badly.

He could decide she wasn’t worth the trouble.

Or that she was worth the payoff.

Just to see what he’d do, she settled on a tiny truth, saying, “Mostly the kind who worked for someone else.”

He paused, then slowly sat forward to rest a forearm on the table. After studying her expression, he shrugged. “You already know someone else hired me. Otherwise I’d know nothing about you. But I think what you’re saying is that these other bodyguards had ulterior motives...beyond your safety?”

In a nutshell. “Let’s just say safety is subjective.”

“Let’s don’t.” Startling her, he put one big hand on her wrist. His palm was hot, his fingers rough, and the touch made her pulse gallop. “You’re either safe from harm, all harm, or you’re not. I intend to keep you safe from harm.”

Cat swallowed to regain her voice. Get a grip, she told herself. He’s only touching your wrist in sympathy, for crying out loud.

Because you’re being so damned pathetic. And cowardly.

And because, as he said, someone paid him to look out for you.

“Yeah,” she rasped. “That’s how I figured it too.”

His thumb brushed over her skin, then he patted her—like a dog, blast him—and retreated. “I was hired to keep you safe and that’s what I plan to do. So rest easy on that, okay?”

No, she wouldn’t rest easy. How could she now that she’d realized she was as sex starved as she was wary?

Not a comfortable combo.

Unaware of her inner turmoil, he continued, “It’d be easier to do that, however, if I knew who or what I was fighting.”

No, it wouldn’t. She figured she had a much better chance as long as he thought things were simple, instead of so very, very complicated.

But when she looked at him, he was so sincere, so involved, she almost caved. It’d help if he was an ogre. Or at least plain. But she didn’t have that kind of luck. “It is so unfair.”

“What?” he asked, as he stole one of her fries and bit into it. An expression crossed his face, as if he really enjoyed it too.

She watched his jaw move as he chewed, and even that was sexy. “That you should look so good.”

He swallowed and slowly, cautiously, turned his head to face her.

Caught in his beautiful gaze, Cat sighed. “You really do. You realize that, right? And here I am, smart enough to know not to trust you no matter what pretty words you say or how sinfully sexy you are. I’ve had to deal with so much lately, but you’re here now, looking like you look, and I don’t mean just a handsome face or buff build. No, you have to be patient and nice and all alpha-in-control too, which is pretty damned appealing.” She shook her head. “It’s unfair. That’s all I’m saying.”

He didn’t reach for any more fries. “That was saying an awful lot, actually.”

She flapped a hand. “You don’t need to worry about it. I mean, it’s obvious you’re not feeling the same.” She knew it for a fact because he’d looked at her fries with more covetous greed than he’d looked at her. “Just sucks that I have so much on my mind and you keep trying to nudge in there—”

He choked a little.

“—but I’ll block that from my thoughts somehow.”

“That?”

“The attraction.” Pushing back her chair, glad that she’d left him speechless, Cat stood and gathered up her empty containers. “Want the rest of the fries?”

“No, I’m good.”

Sooo good. She swallowed her automatic sigh. Starting right now, she’d stop spouting nonsense. She probably needed a good night’s sleep, then she’d be more mentally functional. “Are you on a diet or something?”

Narrowing his eyes at her, he sat back in his seat. It was a good pose for him, showcasing those flat abs and lean waist while at the same time his chest and shoulders strained the fine fabric of his button-down.

“Cat?”

When her gaze lifted to his, he shook his head, either in frustration or denial, she wasn’t sure which. “What?”

“No diet,” he said. “It’s called healthy eating because I’m not into poisoning my body.”

“Yeah, it shows.” She didn’t see any body fat on him at all. Was this a lifestyle preference leftover from being a fighter? She’d love to hear more about that. Later. If she stuck around. “Personally, I love junk food. If I ever start putting on weight, I’m in trouble.”

“Fast metabolism,” he said. “But you can eat right and still enjoy your food.”

“Do they have fries in your food world?”

A grin twitched over his mouth. “Not much, no.”

“Then I’ll keep living in mine.”

He stood too, and relieved her of the garbage. “I’ll set it out.”

Cat stared up at him. She barely reached his shoulder but instead of feeling insubstantial next to him, she felt oddly protected.

That had something to do with Leese’s overall attitude.

His shirt, the sleeves now rolled to his elbows, fit his broad chest and hard shoulders as if tailored specifically for him. He wore nice jeans and boots, and he looked like a million bucks in a relaxed package.

Until now, she hadn’t realized just how sexy “relaxed” could be.

“Did you want to shower?”

Her eyes flared.

Smiling, he chastised softly, “Alone.”

Ignoring the tinge of disappointment she felt, she turned to escape. “Yeah.”

Leese caught her shoulder. “Cat?”

Nope, she definitely would not face him. “Hmm?”

“If you’re going to call someone, anyone, it’d be better if I knew so I could prepare for it.”

“Can’t,” she said. “No phone.”

“You don’t have a cell?”

Well, heck, why had she just admitted that to him? He kept her rattled without trying.

She’d lost the use of the phone more than a week ago. At first she’d been too worried about someone using her personal cell phone to track her down. Some people had incredible reach and according to the movies, cell phones were a no-no when you were on the run. “I got a prepaid,” she explained. “But it’s done and I haven’t had access to money to—”

“I could take care of it for you.”

Pride made her rigid. “You already bought me food. And you’re paying for this room.”

“It’ll all go on an expense account. Don’t worry about it.”

Oh God, that was even worse because she already knew who’d be covering those expenses—and that meant more control over her.

“We’ll talk about it later.” Again, Leese’s thumb caressed her, this time on her shoulder. “For now, do you need anything?”

Sex, apparently. But that wasn’t happening. “No.” Somehow, some way, she’d figure out how to reimburse him herself. She wasn’t without means, just temporarily unable to access them.

“Then for tonight, how about you put away your worries and just relax? In the morning after you’re better rested we’ll talk—about everything—and get it all sorted out.”

A reprieve. Not a bad idea, considering she was dead on her feet. Now that she’d eaten, sleep beckoned, but first, a much-needed shower. “Sounds like a plan.”

“I’ll be here when you’re done. Then I’ll get Justice to come over while I shower.”

“I won’t be long.” As soon as he released her, she practically ran to the bedroom, closed the glass doors and ducked out of view. Wow, the man packed a sultry punch, and he hadn’t even been trying. What if he decided he wanted to seduce her? How easy would that be?

She knew she was already halfway there.

Gathering up what she needed, determined to stop thinking about him, she headed to the bathroom. But one thought led to another and as she stepped beneath the water, she thought of Leese doing the same.

No, no, no...shoot. Maybe she’d have to keep her own shower cold. If nothing else, it’d wake her up enough to prioritize.

And lusting after a near stranger was nowhere near the top of the list.

* * *

ON THE COUCH, arms stacked behind his head, Leese listened to the quiet.

Or more appropriately, to Cat tossing and turning.

He could picture her right now, how she’d look, that particular curious scowl she wore as if she couldn’t decide whether to be pissed, scared, defiant...or turned on.

What a provoking case she’d already turned into, in more ways than one.

Cat might not realize it, but on many levels she appealed to him. Pretty, hell yes. Nice figure, definitely. But it was more her courage, her defiance and spirit that drew him.

Not that he could be drawn. Not during a case.

It didn’t help that she made her own interest so apparent.

The shower had slightly revived him, helping to cool his lustful thoughts while also making him think about everything he didn’t yet know. She had to have a valid reason for leaving everything familiar, avoiding her family and dodging their efforts to help. And then there was the fact that he was hired to protect her.

From what?

Her fear was real but elusive, there one moment, buried beneath pride the next, sometimes taking center stage and sometimes losing priority as other needs—like a nap and food—took precedence.

Tomorrow, as soon as they left the hotel, he’d take the opportunity to question her on the drive. She’d no longer be exhausted, no longer half-starved...

The amount of food she’d eaten still made him grin. The girl knew how to put it away. Her lack of reserve on that front had also been appealing. She showed no artifice, not about her hunger—or her sexual interest.

Nothing about her demeanor resonated with the idea of a rich pampered girl. She had daring, and she had guts.

When the bedroom door opened, every thought fractured beneath the weight of hot awareness. Saying nothing, he waited.

If she tried to sneak out, then what? He’d have to find a way to wake Justice and—

“Leese?” she whispered.

Her voice, rough and low, stroked over him. He watched the shadow of her slim form move closer. “Something wrong, Cat?”

Losing the hesitant edge, she said, “Sort of,” and...sat beside him on the rollaway bed.

Yeah, not comfortable. For one, she was a near stranger, but more than that, she’d already proven herself to be very unpredictable.

With his arms behind his head, he felt...vulnerable. So he quickly adjusted, coming up to a forearm and half turning toward her. “What is it?”

A slow, audible breath preceded the touch of her hand on his shoulder. “I should be sleeping.”

Definitely. They both should. Had they been awake for the same reason? “But?”

“I can’t quiet my thoughts.”

Maybe they’d have their talk sooner rather than later. He started to sit up, but she said, “Wait.”

For two seconds Leese considered things, then relented, resting back to his arm again.

“This is awkward,” she said. “Bear with me while I sort it out, okay?”

Her nearness no longer worried him, at least not as any sort of threat from a stranger.

No, it had morphed into physical awareness real quick. “Sort out what?”

The silence grew strained, but she didn’t move away.

Leese shifted. “Cat?”

“Could I talk to you without you making assumptions?”

Since he’d already made a dozen or more, probably not. “I’ll do my best.”

“I don’t know what it is about you, but it’s making me nuts. You’re like this assault on my system.”

That didn’t sound good. “An assault?” With every fiber of his being, he was attuned to her cool fingers lightly touching his now-fevered skin.

Rushing her words together, she stretched out next to him. “Could I sleep with you? Sleep, I mean? That nap with you today was the best rest I’ve had in a very long time but I’m still so tired. I just want to sleep, but I don’t dare.” She squeezed him, her small body pressed to his, her face against his throat. Her warm breath teased his skin with her agonized explanation. “I know I shouldn’t trust you, but I keep wanting to anyway.”

Leese tried to relax. “You can trust me.”

As if he hadn’t said that, she continued, “It’s nuts to stay with you, I know that. You’re so far out of your realm it only puts you at risk. I don’t want that on my conscience, so I tried to convince myself to run—”

“Don’t run.” Cautiously, he put his arms around her. Out of his realm? She didn’t have much faith in him.

“Every time I tried to make plans I ended up thinking instead about you being right here. So close and so... Jesus, I hate to say it, but you feel safe.” She tipped her face up to his. “I need you to be safe.”

“I am,” he assured her, tucking her closer, folding his arms protectively around her. He gave her a gentle squeeze.

She snuggled in. “I need to make some big decisions, but tonight it just feels too difficult. I think if I slept well, that’d help.”

“Sleep always helps.” And now, with her body so soft and lax against his, he didn’t want to let her go. Stretching out one long arm he rearranged his blanket to cover her too. “Let your thoughts rest, Cat, and tomorrow we’ll work it out.”

She gave a soft laugh. “Sure. Teamwork, right?”

Clearly she didn’t believe him. “We can talk tonight if you’d rather.”

“No.” Shaking her head, she squeezed him again. “I still haven’t decided how much to tell you—or how much you might already know.”

He didn’t know jack shit, and it frustrated him a lot. “Tomorrow, then.”

She tipped up her face. In the darkness, she studied him. “You don’t mind?”

Every nerve ending in his body sizzled, but... “No.” She smelled sweet and felt soft, and if he let himself, he’d be hard in a heartbeat. But he’d once risked a woman through poor judgment.

He’d never make that mistake again.

“Where is your gun?” she asked.

Where she wouldn’t get to it. “Don’t worry about it,” he said, then promised, “I won’t accidentally shoot you.”

“I figured.” Sighing long and loud, she got comfortable again. “I didn’t want to bump into it.”

“You won’t.” He didn’t mean to, but he kissed the top of her head. “Now sleep. We both need it.”

She said nothing else, and within five minutes her breaths had turned slow, deep and even. Apparently her mind had finally quieted.

Unfortunately, his did just the opposite and he ended up spending most of the night thinking very inappropriate, erotic, explicit things that had no place between a bodyguard and the woman he was assigned to protect.